Cesc Fabregas scored the first hat-trick of his career as Barcelona moved closer to the Primera Division title with a 5-0 victory over Real Mallorca, but the main story was the return to action of Eric Abidal after a year out following liver surgery.

The home side were also inspired by
head coach Tito Vilanova, who was on the Nou Camp touchline for the
first time since January after undergoing treatment for cancer.

Abidal's appearance brought the crowd
to their feet, with the Frenchman given a standing ovation when he
replaced Gerard Pique in the 70th minute.

Happy return: Barcelona's Eric Abidal received a rousing reception

The 33-year-old former France
defender, who was passed fit to return to training with his team mates
last month, is a huge favourite with the Barca fans.

In a pitch-side television interview with Spanish broadcaster Canal Plus, Abidal thanked the cousin who provided part of his liver for the procedure.

'It was a very special moment for me after a year out,' said Abidal, wearing a shirt with 'Merci mon cousin' on the front.

Merci: Eric Abidal wears a tribute to his cousin

'I want to thank my cousin as without him I would not be here today. It is a unique moment,' he added.

Abidal's return is well timed as Barca centre backs Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano and full back Adriano are all out injured at a critical stage of the season.

In the game itself, it was Fabregas who commanded the spotlight. In the injury-enforced absence of Lionel Messi, he scored three and
set up two for Alexis Sanchez as Barcelona romped home.

Man of the moment: Cesc Fabregas scored his first competitive hattrick

Mallorca held their own but it was no surprise when Barcelona made the breakthrough with two goals in two minutes.

Fabregas carried the ball from midfield and played a one-two with Alexis before steadying himself and coolly slotting the ball home across goalkeeper Dudu Aouate.

Mallorca's heads went down and in the 22nd minute they found themselves 2-0 adrift. This time Fabregas cut inside on the left of the area before unleashing a shot which Aouate pushed away from goal only for Alexis to follow up and fire home.

Happy return: Eric Abidal

In the 37th minute an intricate passing move ended with Fabregas laying a first-time ball off to Alexis on the right of the area which he reciprocated for Fabregas to drill home.

The former Arsenal captain was involved everywhere and a minute later he provided a superb pass over the top for Alexis, who had got between two defenders, controlling the ball with his right before slotting home with his left.

Fabregas wrapped up his hat-trick seconds after the restart when he collected Iniesta's threaded ball and checked inside the defender before slotting home from close range.

Cabaye reveals battle with depression and how words from Wilkinson and Nadal helped him bounce back

. It was then depression caught up with him.

Cabaye told L’Equipe: ‘Depression I am not afraid to say that. It was that.

Back to his best: Yohan Cabaye has struggled to recapture his brilliant first year, until now

‘I was reassured reading the books of Jonny Wilkinson and Rafael Nadal, who both talked about the same thing. They talked about post competition depression and the need to have a break.

‘Euro 2012 was the first big international competition I had played. It is completely different than what you could experience in daily life with your club.

‘My season was long in a league where the pace is higher than in Le Championnat. I started with Newcastle early in July 2011 and finished late in June 2012 and, for the very first time, I didn’t have any winter break so then to resume in July 2012, it was very difficult.

Fatigue: Cabaye suffered the effects of the domestic season when he joined up with France for Euro 2012

'Maybe it is difficult to start again after a big competition such as the Euros, but my body didn’t allow me to do what I wanted to do.

‘On a morning when I woke up, I could still feel tiredness. I wanted to think about something else rather than football.’

Cabaye believes that rather than a curse, his groin injury at the end of last year helped reignite his time at Newcastle.

‘I am lucky to earn a living with my passion, but it was the right moment for a break. So my groin injury at the end of the year was finally not such a bad thing. Maybe that is why I was back earlier than expected.

, as Ben Foster returned to the England fold to challenge for the No 1 jersey.

And although he welcomes the return of West Brom’s Foster after a two-year break from international football, Hart is determined to try and keep hold of the goalkeeping jersey.

'Is Foster good enough to push me Yes, but I’ve felt that every time I’ve come away with England,’ said Hart. 'My job when I was first involved was to really push hard. We all train like we are going to play and push each other and it’s really good.

He said: 'I’m in that privileged spot at the moment. I didn’t dream of this spot because I didn’t think it would happen.

'I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do, I love it, I’ll keep working and training hard if there are no keepers or 1,000 keepers.

Group H: Fixtures

'That No 1 spot is one I want to keep and last summer (Euro 2012) was a real high point in my career.“It was one of the best footballing things I’ve done. To play in a tournament like that is a dream.'

Hart concedes himself and City have struggled to maintain last season’s standards, but he still refuses to give up the title to Manchester United.

He said: 'My season has not been brilliant. It’s had its good times but it’s football. It’s what I love doing.

The operation kept him out until December, but after making 13 successive starts for Spurs, Parker is feeling good again.

And he is starting to train his sights on the greatest show on earth in Brazil next year.

'Now I am amongst it again, the fire rumbles in my belly to get there for Brazil,' said Parker.

'I have not had many massive injuries in my career but the ones you do have give you that hunger again.

'I need to take things one step at a time but, now I am in the squad, if I get my chance I need to take it.'

Midway through his first major tournament last summer, Parker did outline a theory that it could be his last.

Still only 32, it seemed an extreme assessment given his status as England’s most natural defensive midfielder.

Yet part of Parker’s thinking may have been formulated by the knowledge his troublesome Achilles injury, which flared up towards the end of last season, was going to need sorting out.

And, as the former West Ham man is acutely aware, nothing can be taken for granted in the recovery stages from such significant surgery.

'I didn’t really have any pain during Euro 2012 but there was a slight problem with my Achilles during the summer and in the end I needed to have an operation,' said Parker. 'And if you ask any player when they have been out for some time, doubts do cross your mind about when you are going to come back.

'There are long days when you are feeling unfit and everything seems a struggle. Then negative thoughts do set in.

'But once you are out of pain and on the road back towards playing again, your focus changes.'

Although Parker has not featured for his country since that disappointing penalty shoot-out defeat by Italy in Kiev last June, the experience of being in Poland and Ukraine has fuelled a passion to be part of another major tournament with England.

'I had a fantastic time at the Euros,' he said. 'It was a great experience for me and it did explode at quite a late age but I would love to be involved in a World Cup squad.

'A lot can happen between now and then. If I can stay fit and maintain my form hopefully I will have a chance.'

'Distraught' Ferguson in 'no fit state' to speak as Nani is shown a red card, Ferdinand erupts in fury and Ronaldo sends his old team crashing out of Europe

By
Declan Warrington

PUBLISHED:

22:45 GMT, 5 March 2013

|

UPDATED:

23:24 GMT, 5 March 2013

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was too 'distraught' to speak to the media in the aftermath of his side's 2-1 defeat at home to Real Madrid.

The United manager was incensed at the red card for Nani which ultimately proved crucial in their elimination from the Champions League and with his side perhaps the better team despite the result, was said not to be 'in any fit state' to discuss the outcome.

'I don't think the manager is in any fit state to talk to the referee about the decision,' said Phelan, who explained he had never felt a greater sense of injustice. 'It speaks volumes that he is not sat here speaking to you.

'Distraught': Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was not available for comment tonight

'We're extremely disappointed. We have a distraught dressing room and a distraught manager.

'We are all witnesses to a decision that seemed very harsh, and incredible at that moment in the game.

'To say we are disappointed is an understatement. We felt as though we had got things right tactically and were reasonably comfortable.

'That amazing decision changed things totally.

Bemused: Ferguson unsurprisingly did not agree with the decision to dismiss Nani

Sarcastic: Rio Ferdinand made his feelings clear to the referee, Cuneyt Cakir

'Referees are there to make decisions in big games.

'There is an element of doing the right thing at the right moment.

'All you guys and TV audience will have a decision. It is a disappointing one. It spoiled the game.'

Incandescent: Ferguson was furious about Nani's red card, which significantly changed the game

Controversial: Many observers felt Nani's red card swung the game in Real's favour

If Ferguson and Phelan felt they
could justify their frustration – a sentiment largely encapsulated by
Rio Ferdinand sarcastically applauding referee Cuneyt Cakir after the
final whistle –
Jose Mourinho was uncharacteristically in agreement with them,
insisting United had deserved the victory given to Real by Cristiano
Ronaldo's winning goal and that he had expected his side to produce
more.

'Independent of the decision, the best team lost,' the Real manager told ITV. 'We didn't play well, we didn't deserve to win, but football is like this.

'I am not sure about the decision, but independent of that, the best team lost.

Wrong call The decision to send Nani off seemed harsh on Manchester United

Mukhtar Mohammed won a battling bronze in a feisty men's 800-metre final at the European Indoor Championships.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Somalia and moved to the UK in 2002, fought hard to edge his way past Anis Ananenka from Belarus, who appeared to try to push Mohammed wide with his elbows as they grappled for the line.

Mohammed, a former defensive midfielder for Sheffield Wednesday, won Great Britain's fifth medal of these championships following golds for Holly Bleasdale (pole vault) and Perri Shakes-Drayton (400m) and silver medals for James Dasaolu (60m) and Eilidh Child (400m).

Battling performance: Mukhtar Mohammed won a bronze medal in the 800m

Mohammed said: 'It was a tough race between me and the guy from Belarus (Anis Ananenka). He gave me a hard time on the last lap, and I lost the first two positions because of him.

'I had to fight to get a medal but I was really enjoying it as I did with the heat and the semi-final and I didn’t want to mess up in the final.

'At the end of the day it’s the cleverest and bravest guys that win championships and Adam Kszczot did very well to win the race. This is a learning experience for me and hopefully it’ll get even better for the next championships.

'I am very pleased just to get a medal. Gold was going to be good for me but I’ve got to be happy with a medal.'

Maiden voyage: MacDonald becomes a permanent manager for the first time

Swindon have appointed former Republic of Ireland assistant Kevin MacDonald as their new manager.

The 52-year-old, who was caretaker manager at Aston Villa in 2010, has been handed the reigns at the County Ground after Paolo Di Canio resigned last week.

MacDonald inherits a Swindon side who are fourth in npower League One and just three points behind leaders Doncaster and will be in charge of Saturday's trip to Coventry.

'This is a hugely important appointment at a significant moment in Swindon's recent history and we are delighted to appoint a football man of Kevin's calibre as our new manager,' said chairman Jed McCrory, who took over the Wiltshire club this month.

'This is a clear message that the new board is determined to drive on for promotion this season and continue to try and bring success to Swindon.

'Kevin has fantastic football credentials as a double-winner with Liverpool during his playing days and he is an excellent coach.

Stuttering: Swindon were beaten at home by lowly Bury in midweek and have picked up just one point from their last two games

'He has great connections with top players and he is a proper football man. We have every faith for Kevin now to lead Swindon from the front at a pivotal moment in the campaign.

'It is a new start for Kevin and for our new board of Directors and we move forward together with every confidence.'

MacDonald, a midfielder in his playing days, was a member of the 1986 double-winning side at Liverpool, while he was involved with the Ireland set-up during Steve Staunton's reign.

Medals of honour: Team GB heroes Smith, Baker and Hosking and Arsenal legend Pat Rice given gongs by the Queen

team were today honoured at Buckingham Palace by the Queen.

Gymnast Louis Smith, who scooped silver on the pommel horse and bronze in the men's team competition, described being awarded the MBE as 'the proudest moment of his life', but risked being turned away when he showed up having forgot his invitation.

He tweeted: 'Hahaha not the greatest start. @gabstone9 forgot our invites to Buckingham palace. Not quite as easy getting in as a school disco #oops

Member of the British Empire: Team GB gymnast Louis Smith is honoured by the Queen

Rowing and football: Sophie Hosking and Pat Rice's respective contributions were also honoured

Natasha Baker, who was also honoured
for winning two gold medals in dressage at the Paralympics said the
occasion was 'absolutely incredible', but had earlier tweeted in a panic
over her fear of missing the ceremony.

Baker had been stuck in traffic on the M4 but eventually made it to Buckingham Palace on time. 'Stuck in traffic on M4 on my way to collect my #MBE . Any police around to give me an escort!' she tweeted.

Olympians: Louis Smith and Natasha Baker were among Team GB's most impressive performers at the Games

'Tempted to get Jordan (scooter) out and drive to Buck Pal! Think she would be faster than this traffic! Don't think I'm going to get there!'

Sophie Hosking, winner of gold in lightweight women's double sculls, was presented with an MBE at the investiture ceremony.

In their element: Pat Rice (centre) with the FA Cup won at Arsenal at his peak and boxing guru Rob McCracken

British Amateur Boxing Association performance director Rob McCracken, who overlooked a haul of five boxing medals at London 2012, also receives the MBE, as was former Arsenal assistant manager Pat Rice, who spent 44 years at the club, winning seven trophies as a coach.

Ince believes his double against Sweden proves he can cut it at the top

By
Dominic King

PUBLISHED:

22:30 GMT, 6 February 2013

|

UPDATED:

01:54 GMT, 7 February 2013

Tom Ince believes he has shown his doubters he can be a force at international level after a watershed night in his England Under 21 career.

The Blackpool winger scored twice in the 4-0 thumping of Sweden on Tuesday to finally break his duck for England, six months and five games after making his debut in Azerbaijan.

Though his performances had been promising, the lack of goals had been a concern for head coach Stuart Pearce and he made a point of telling Ince so before the friendly at Walsall.

At the double: Tom Ince struck twice against Sweden

Watch how his dad reacts

Paul was watching as Tom hit a double, but did he celebrate enthusiastically enough Paul's wife didn't seem to think so…

But Ince’s response was impressive and now he is determined to spearhead England’s quest to win Euro 2013, which begins in Israel in June.

‘It is hard when you are scoring at club level and it is not happening for you at international level,’ said Ince, who has found the net 16 times so far for Blackpool this year. I had been trying to break the duck and I had been a bit unfortunate. That’s why it was so nice to get off the mark.

‘Things hadn’t been falling for me but I
feel that breaking my duck can now really help me push on. It has taken
the doubts out of my mind. It was a proud moment to score wearing that
shirt and hopefully there will be more to come.’

Proud: Ince was delighted to get firing on the international stage

There is little doubt Ince, who has set himself the target of finishing the Championship campaign with 25 goals, will make the cut for England’s 23-man squad and it is likely Pearce will be given the green light to take several big names with him to Israel.

While Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere are set to travel to Brazil with the senior team, Pearce is hoping there will be enough co-operation from Premier League clubs to enable significant players such as Raheem Sterling, Wilfred Zaha, Jonjo Shelvey and Phil Jones to travel.

‘The trouble with being a professional footballer is you never know when your form's going to come and go,’ said Pearce.

Step up: Players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been called up to the senior squad

‘I see a lot of players being rested but on my behalf, as an international and a patriot of this country, where would the priority be on the burnout

‘Should the clubs rest for the national team I've always said the same thing – unless you take your strongest squad you can't be competitive. Roy (Hodgson) had firmly echoed that and hopefully we will take a strong squad to the championships.'

LIVE: Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic – follow all the action from the Australian Open final

By
Martin Domin

PUBLISHED:

00:01 GMT, 27 January 2013

|

UPDATED:

08:18 GMT, 27 January 2013

Andy Murray is bidding to win his second consecutive Grand Slam title when he takes on Novak Djokovic in Melbourne on Sunday.

The two have enjoyed some epic battles, not least in the US Open final last September and the Serbian world No 1 is aiming for a hat-trick of Australian Open titles.

Follow all the action with Sportsmail's unrivalled coverage and send your emails to [email protected]

8.15am: So, what can we expect today Some huge hitting no doubt and hopefully a five-hour, five-set epic. Djokovic has the upper hand over Murray, winning 10 of their 17 meetings as well as both matches at the Australian Open. But the Scot's win at the US Open was a defining moment for him, and for British tennis, and with that monkey off his back, who knows how far he can go

And interestingly, Murray has won four of the seven finals the pair have contested…

8.05am: Seems like just yesterday that I was here looking forward to the US Open final between the same two protagonists. Difficult to see anything other than another classic clash between the two best players in the world right now.

And as John Lloyd said this morning, if Andy Murray wins, he can rightfully call himself the best on the planet.

8am: Welcome to Sportsmail's coverage of the Australian Open final in Melbourne.